Dishwashing machine spray box mounting means



3,4433568 DISHWASHING MACHINESPRAY BOX MOUNTING MEANS Filed Ngv. 1e,196e of 2 Sheet May 13, 1969 c. JANlszEwsKl Casime nf@ y @uw /WW/ MN. N*W DISHWASHING MACHINE SPRAY BOX MOUNTING MEANS Filed Nov. 1e, 196s Z of2 Sheet May 13, 1969 c: JANlszEwsKl -@Q C Q Q c J Q 3,443,568DISHWASHING MACHINE SPRAY BOX MOUNTING MEANS Casimer Janiszewski,Chicago, Ill., assignor to G. S.

Blakeslee & Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 16,1966, Ser. No. 594,783 Int. Cl. B08b 3/02 U.S. Cl. 134-199 5 ClaimsABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A dishwashing machine comprising a housing,upper and lower spray boxes in the housing, a riser at the outer face ofthe housing, and adaptors respectively connecting the spray boxes to theriser.

This invention relates to dishwashing and analogous machines and has todo with spray boxes and mounting means therefor, and associatedfeatures, for use in such machines.

The dishwashing machine shown, by way of example, is similar to themachine disclosed in the copending applic-ation of John Cumming forSectional Dishwashing Machine and Structural Units, Ser. No. 574,427,filed Aug. 23, 1966, and a brief description thereof will suice exceptas to those features having to do with my present invention. The aboveapplication and the instant application are commonly owned by the sameassignee. In its broader aspects my invention may be applied to anysuitable machine, as will be understood.

In commercial dishwashing machines the dishes and other articles to bewashed are moved through the machine by conveyor means and during theirtravel are subjected to successive washing and rinsing operations. Thewashing and rinsing liquids, a detergent solution and water, as the casem-ay be, are sprayed downwardly onto the dishes from above and upwardlyfrom beneath the dishes, by spray boxes to which the liquid is suppliedunder appropriate pressure. It is important that ready access be had tothe interior parts of the machine, in order that they be kept in a cleanand sanitary condition. It is also desirable that the successive sprayareas through which the dishes pass be of substantial extent and thatthe dishes be sprayed from above in advance of being sprayed frombeneath. The advantage of that is that the downwardly directed spraysflush off food particles and scraps which may be adhered to the dishesand direct them into the underlying scrap trays, so that the spraysprojected upwardly against the dishes act thereon to best advantage.

My invention is `directed to spray boxes and mounting means therefor,and associated features, whereby the desirable results stated areattained. One of the objects of my invention is the provision of sprayboxes and mounting means therefor such that the spray boxes may readilybe removed to render the interior of the machine accessible forcleaning, and may as readily be replaced. It is also an object of myinvention to provide spray box mounting means which assures accuratepositioning of the spray boxes and liquid tight closures between themand associated liquid supply conduits or risers. A further importantobject of my invention is the provision of spray box mounting meanswhereby the upper spray boxes may be offset lengthwise of the machinerelative to the lower boxes, thereby increasing the spray area throughwhich the dishes travel. Further objects and ladvantages of my inventionwill appear from the detailed description.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a dishwashing machine embodying my invention,with parts broken away;

nited States Patent O ICC FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary sectional view, on`an enlarged scale, taken substantially on line 2-2 of FIGURE 1, of oneof the upper spray boxes and associated parts.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 3 3 of FIGURE2;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of theupper housing and tank portion of one section or module of the machineof FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view, on an enlargedscale and looking downward, of the inner end portion of one of the lowerspray boxes and associated parts; and

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale,of the outer end portion of one of the lower spray boxes and associatedparts, the outer of front wall of the housing being shown fragmentarilyin end elevation.

The machine shown in FIGURE 1 is formed of a plurality of similarsections or modules s respectively comprising a base frame 1, anupwardly opening tank 2 and an open ended housing 3 overlying andsecured to tank 2. The housings 3 have inwardly extending side and topanges and one side of each housing is provided with a door opening and adoor 4 therefor vertically slidable between vertical end panels 5 ofchannel cross section having inwardly extending side flanges, one ofwhich is shown at 6 in FIGURE 6. The sections s of the machine aresecured together end to end, by welding together the abutting endllanges thereof, providing a machine of the desired length.

Each of the -housings 3 has mounted therein, at each side thereof, upperand lower track sections 6 of substantially Z-shape in cross section,preferably supported on the side end flanges of the section as in theabove identitied Cumming application, though the track sections may bemounted in any suitable manner Within the broader aspects of myinvention. An endless flight conveyor 7, similar to that disclosed inPatent 3,086,641, issued Apr. 23, 1963, to John Cumming, travels uponthe track sections. The conveyor comprises cross rods 8 extendingthrough side chains 9 and carrying rollers 10 which travel -upon thetracks 6. As will be understood, the track sections of the modules ofsections s 4are accurately aligned and the upper run of the conveyor 7travels upon the upper track sections 6, the lower run thereoftravelling upon the lower track sections. As viewed in FIGURE 1, theupper run of the conveyor travels from left to right. The cross rods -8of conveyor 7 are connected by flights 11 of substantially U-shape whichextend inwardly between the runs of conveyor 7. Plates and other tlatware to be washed are inserted edgewise into the conveyor flights, atthe feed end of the machine, and lare removed therefrom at the deliveryend. Small articles, such as cups, glasses, cutlery and the like, areplaced in open work baskets or racks which are set upon the upper run ofthe conveyor 7 for travel therewith.

A spray box mounting frame comprising two spaced apart parallel channelmembers 14, one of which is shown in FIGURES 4 and 6, is secured in thelower portion of each section or module s transversely thereof andmidway of the door opening. The channel members 14 are disposed withtheir web elements facing each other and their open sides directed awayfrom each other. An angle strip 15 is secured to the inner face of eachchannel member 14 with its upper ange projecting inwardly therefrom. Theangle strips 1S provide guide and support means for a lower spray box16, to be described more fully presently. The spray box 16 is providedat its outer end and at each side thereof with a headed stud or button17. When the spray box 16 is in its fully inserted normal position, theheads of the buttons 17 engage beneath the flanges of angle strips 15effective therewith for restraining the outer end of spray box 16against upward movement. The channel members 14 and associated partsprovide a substantially H-shaped frame similar to that disclosed in theabove identified Cumming application. While such a spray box mountingframe is preferred, it is not essential to my invention, and anysuitable means may be provided for supporting and guiding the spray box.Suffice it to state the lower spray box 16 is supported and guided bysuitable means such that it may readily be removed and replaced throughthe door opening.

The spray box 16 is formed of stainless steel and is of rectangular formboth transversely and lengthwise. The top wall of box 16 is providedwith accurately positioned openings punched therein. The punchedopenings receive plastic spray nozzles 20, to be described more fullylater. The outer end wall of spray box 16 is provided with a centralcylindrical opening (FIGURES 4 and 6). Such opening snugly receives ashouldered taper plug 21 secured on the inner end of a stem 21a threadedthrough the upwardly extending arm of a substantially L-shaped latchmember 22 pivoted at its outer end, at 23, on a bracket 24. The bracket24 is secured to and extends inwardly from an outer bracket 25 fixed toand extending inwardly from a flange 26 extending inwardly from thefront wall of tank 2. The other or inner end wall 27 of spray box 16 isprovided with a central elongated rectangular or oblong opening whichsnugly receives the correspondingly formed and slightly tapered innerend fiange 28 of an adaptor 29 (FIGURE 5). A sealing gasket 30 of rubberor other suitable compressible material is mounted on an outwardlyextending rib 31 at the outer or base end of fiange 28. The outer endportion of adaptor 29 is of cylindrical shape interiorly and fits snuglyabout a fitting or collar 32 threaded tightly onto a flanged nipple 33extending through an Opening in wall 34 of tank 2. The openuing in wall34 is in register with an opening in the fiat inner wall 35a of a riser35 mounted on the outer face of wall 34 of tank 2 and the outer face ofwall 36 of housing 3. Wall 34 is aligned with and is in fact anextension of wall 36. The nipple 33 fits snugly through the openings inthe walls 34 and 35a with its flange 37 seating on the inner face ofwall 35a of riser 35. The inner end portion of collar 32 is slightlytapered to facilitate its entry into adaptor 29 and it is provided,adjacent such tapered portion with a circumferential groove whichreceives an O-sealing ring 38. The collar 32 is further providedadjacent its outer end with a circumferential groove 39 of V-crosssection which receives the tapered inner ends of screws 40 threaded intothe outer end portion of adaptor 29. The screws 40 force the accuratelyfinished outer end of adaptor 29 into contact with the inner face ofwall 34 thereby assuring accurate location of adaptor 29 on wall 34 withange 28 of adaptor 29 disposed horizontally lengthwise.

With latch member 22 swung to its outer releasing position, shown inbroken lines in FIGURE 6, spray box 16 is slid inwardly along anglestrips until fiange 28 of adaptor 29 has fully entered the opening inend wall 27 of box 16 so as to fit snugly therein. The latch member 22is then swung to its operative position, and stem 21a, the outer portionof which is of increased diameter and threaded through member 22, isrotated by means of its hand wheel 2lb so as to move stem 21a inwardlytoward the adjacent end wall of spray box 16. In the inward movement ofstem 21a the tapered plug-21 enters the opening in the end wall of spraybox 16, properly centering that end of the box, after which the shoulderof the plug is moved into pressure contact with the end wall that iseffective for forcing the other end wall 27 of box 16 into pressurecontact with gasket 27, assuring a pressure resistant fluid tightclosure about the opening in that wall. The flange 28 of adaptor 29 thenfits tightly in the oblong opening in wall 27 effectively restrainingspray box 16 against turning movement, as will appear more fully inconnection with the upper spray box, to be desrcibed in detailpresently. Also, the shoulder plug 21 is then in pressure contact withthe corresponding end wall of box 16 assuring a fluid tight pressureresistant closure of the opening in that wall. The buttons 17 cooperatewith the angle strips 15 to restrain the outer end of box 16 againstupward movement during the pressure applying operation, upon completionof which box 16 is tightly and accurately held properly positioned. Toremove spray box 16, the stern 21a is threaded outwardly until plug 21clears the adjacent end wall of box 16, after which member 22 is swungoutwardly and downwardly to position permitting ready withdrawal of box16 through the door opening. With member 22 in its outer inoperativeposition, indicated in broken lines in FIGURE 6, box 16 may readily bereinserted and secured in position. A small drainage opening 41 isprovided in the bottom wall 42 of box 16, and the openings in the endwalls thereof give access to the interior of the box for thoroughcleaning thereof.

An upper spray box 45 is mounted in housing 3 at the top thereof. It issimilar in construction to the lower box 16 but is reversed relativethereto. The bottom wall 46 of box 45 is provided with three lengthwiserows of openings punched therein, each row preferably comprising fouropenings though the number of openings may be varied. Each openingreceives the reduced neck 47 of a plastic spray nozzle 48 of generallyoblong shape in plan and provided with a lengthwise slot 49 (FIGURES 2and 3). Each nozzle is also provided with an outwardly extendingcircumferential flange 50 seating on the under face of wall 46 andsecured thereto by rivets 51. The slots of the nozzles of the two outerrows are disposed lengthwise of box 45 and those of the middle row aredisposed at a. slight angle transversely of box 45, as shown moreclearly in FIGURE 2. That is desirable as assuring complete spraycoverage of the area underlying box '45. The spray nozzles 20 of thelower spray box 16 are similar to those of the upper box 45 and arearranged and secured in the same manner as in the upper box and need notbe further described. The necks 47 of the nozzles 48 of the upper box 45are provided with notches 52 extending to the upper face of bottom wall46 of box 45. When the supply of liquid is cut off, when the machine isnot in operation, the notches 52 assure complete drainage of box 45through nozzles 48 and the opening 41 in bottom wall 42 of the lowerspray box 16 assures drainage of the latter, which is desirable forobvious reasons.

The inner end wall 55 of spray box 45 is provided with a centrallylocated elongated rectangular opening 56 of the same dimensions as theopening in the inner end wall 27 of the lower box 16. The opening 56 inend wall 55 of box 45 snugly receives a similarly shaped inner endfiange 56a of an adaptor 57. The outer end of adaptor 57 receives snuglytherein a tubular fitting or collar 58 threaded tightly onto a fiangednipple 59 fitting snugly through registering openings in wall 36 and theinner wall 35a of riser 35. The opening 56 in end wall 55 of box 45 andthe flange 56a of adaptor 57 are disposed horizontally lengthwise, asare the openings in the end wall 27 of box 16 and flange 28 of adaptor29. The lower and upper boxes 16 and 45 are thus interchangeable andeach thereof is held against turning movement by its associated adaptor.The inner end of collar 58 is slightly tapered at 60 to facilitate entrythereof into the outer end of adaptor 57. The collar 58 is provided witha circumferential groove 61 which receives an O-sealing ring 62 and isfurther provided, adjacent its outer end, with a circumferential groove63 of V-shape in cross section. The groove 63 receives the tapered innerends of screws 64 threaded in the outer end of adaptor 57 and effectivefor forcing the accurately finished outer end surface thereof intopressure contact with the inner face of wall 36. Flange 65 of nipple 59seats against the outer face of the inner wall 35a of riser 35 in thesame manner as the flange 37 of nipple 33 associated with adaptor 29 ofthe lower spray box 16.

The adaptor 57 is provided at its outer end with an upwardly extendingboss 68 having a flat upper face which seats against the flat under faceof a reinforcing channel member 69 underlying and secured to top wall 70of housing 3. The end Wall of upper spray box 45, adjacent the door 4,is provided with a central circular opening similar to that in thecorresponding end wall of lower spray box 16. A short rod or stem 71(FIGURE 4), provided with a hand wheel 72, is threaded through thedownwardly extending arm of an angle bracket 73 secured to channelmember 69 adjacent door 4. The stem 71 carries at its inner end ashouldered tapered plug similar to plug 21 of stem 21a associated withthe lower spray box 16. In mounting the upper spray box 45 it ispositioned upon the inner end flange 56a of adaptor 57, as abovedescribed. The stem 71 is then threaded through bracket 73 inwardly sothat the plug enters the opening in the end wall of spray box 45. In thecontinued inward movement of stem 71 the base flange of the plug isforced into pressure contact with the end wall of the box. Furtherinward movement of stem 71 compresses a sealing gasket 74 mounted on arib 75 extending about adaptor 57 at the outer end of flange 56athereof, similar to the gasket 30 and rib 31 of the adaptor 29 for thelower spray box 16. The upper box 45 is then tightly and accuratelysecured in operative position and the openings in the end walls thereofare effectively sealed. The seating of the flat upper face of boss 68 ofadaptor 57 against the under face of channel member, in cooperation withthe close fit of the oblong flange 56a of adaptor 57 in the opening 56in end wall 55 of spray box 45 effectively assures that the latter willbe maintained in its proper horizontal position. The spray box 45 mayreadily be removed by threading stem 71 outwardly until the plug thereofis spaced an appropriate distance from the end wall of the box, whichmay then be moved toward the door opening and withdrawn from the adaptor57. The box may readily be replaced by reversing the operation, as willbe understood. Should it be desired to reverse the offset position ofthe upper spray box 45 and its adaptor 57 when the direction of travelof the conveyor 7 is reversed, the mounting means of the upper pilotcarrier bracket 73 is so arranged that the bracket 73 may be shiftedlengthwise of the machine.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the body portion of adaptor 57 is disposed at anangle horizontally relative to the end portions thereof so that flange56a is offset to the left relative to the collar 58 and nipple 59.Accordingly, the upper spray box 45 is offset to the left relative tothe lower spray box 16, the adaptor 29 of the latter box being straightlengthwise, as shown in FIGURE 5. As will be understood from what hasbeen said, the riser 35 extends from the top housing 3 downwardly alongwall 36 thereof and wall 34 of tank 2. The base frame 1 of each of thesections s has mounted thereon a motorpump unit comprising a centrifugalpump 78 driven by an electric motor 79. The motor-pump unit preferablyis similar to that disclosed in Patent 3,108,607, issued Oct. 29, 1963,to David G. Blakeslee, though any suitable motor and pump means may beused. In the operation of the machine, the pump 78 withdraws liquid, adetergent solution or rinse water, as the case may be, from tank 2delivers it under appropriate pressure to the lower and upper sprayboxes 16 and 45. The liquid is projected upwardly against the dishes andother articles from beneath the upper run of conveyor 7 by the lowerspray box 16, and downward against the dishes and other articles by theupper spray box 45. As previously noted, the upper spray box 45 isoffset to the left, counter to the direction of travel of the upper runof the conveyor, relative to the lower spray box 16. Consequently, thedishes will be subjected to spray from the upper box 45 before theyenter the spray zone of the lower box 16, and then subjected to sprayfrom both boxes. That is advantageous in removing food particles fromthe dishes prior to their being subjected to spray from the lower box,

which expedites the washing operation, and has the further advantagethat the spray area through which the dishes pass is of materiallygreater extent than it would be if the upper spray box were not offsetrelative to the lower one. Such advantages are of practical value andare attained by mounting the spray boxes in the manner shown anddescribed. A further advantage of such mounting means is that theflanged nipples and collars 33 and 32, and 59 and 58, also providesimple and efficient means for mounting the riser 35 on the tank 2 andhousing 3 of the respective sections s of the machine.

As above indicated, it will be understood that changes in detail may beresorted to without departing from the field and scope of my invention,and I intend to include all such variation, as fall within the scope ofthe appended claims, in which the preferred form only of my inventionhas been disclosed.

I claim:

1. A dishwashing machine comprising a housing having a top and sidewalls, an upper and a lower spray box in said housing, said spray boxesbeing respectively of box form with top and bottom and side and endwalls and disposed with one end wall in proximity to one side Wall ofsaid housing, said one end wall of the respective boxes being providedwith an oblong opening disposed horizontally lengthwise, said upperspray box being offset laterally of said lower spray box and in partoverlying the latter, a riser at the outer face of said one side walland being straight lengthwise, adaptors respectively connecting saidspray boxes to said riser, said adaptor for said upper spray box beingoffset laterally of said lower spray box, and said adaptors respectivelyopening at their outer ends through said one side wall into said riserand being provided at their inner ends with oblong flanges conforming toand fitting in said end wall openings of said boxes.

2. In a dishwashing machine including a housing having a top and sidewalls, an upper and a lower spray box in said housing, said spray boxesbeing respectively of box form with top and bottom and side and endwalls and disposed with one end wall in proximity to one side wall ofsaid housing, said one end wall of the respective boxes being providedwith an oblong opening disposed horizontally lengthwise, a riser at theouter face of said one side Wall, and adaptors respectively connectingsaid spray boxes to said riser, the improvement in which said adaptorsrespectively open at their outer ends through said one side wall intosaid riser and are provided at their inner ends with oblong flangesconforming to and fitting in said end wall openings of said boxes, saidadaptors are respectively provided with an exterior rib at the base ofsaid flange, a sealing gasket is mounted on said rib, and means isprovided effective for exerting pressure on the other end of therespective boxes and thereby holding said one end wall thereof inpressure contact with said sealing gaskets.

3. A dishwashing machine substantially as defined in claim 2 and inwhich said other end wall of the respective boxes is pro-vided with acentral circular opening, and the means for exerting pressure on saidother end wall comprises a screw mounted shouldered taper plug of adiameter to fit snugly in said circular opening and effective incooperation with the respective adaptors for accurately positioning therespective spray boxes.

4. A dishwashing machine substantially as defined in claim 3 and inwhich said tapered plug for said lower box is carried by a pivoted latchmember movable to a position clear of said lower box and to an operativeposition rendering said plug effective.

5. In a dishwashing machine including a housing having a top and sidewalls, an upper and a lower spray box in said housing, a riser at theouter face of one of said side walls, and adaptors respectivelyconnecting said spray boxes to said riser, the improvement in which saidriser has a flat inner wall seating on the outer face of said side wall,flanged nipples extend through registering open- 7 8 ings in said sidewall and said inner wall of said riser with 1,846,703 2/ 1932 Wiener134--72 their anges seating on the inner face of the latter Walls,2,207,697 7/ 1940 Kendall 134-129 XR collars are screwed tightly ontosaid nipples effective 2,271,436 1/ 1942 Lathrop. therewith for clampingsaid riser to said side Wall, and 2,900,992 8/ 1959 Johnson 134-199 XRthe ends of said adaptors adjacent said side wall snugly 5 receive saidcollars and are secured thereon. ROBERT L. BLEUTGE, Primary Examiner-References Cited U.S. Cl. X.R. UNITED STATES PATENTS 239-557 1,624,0264/1927 Utz -..134-199XR 10

